Srinagar, June 3 (GNS): Two army men were killed and four others injured when militants ambushed Srinagar-bound army convoy at Qazigund along National Highway Saturday.

According to sources, militants ambushed an army vehicle part of a Srinagar-bound convoy today at around 11:30 am near Toll Post Lower Monda on Srinagar-Jammu Highway. The firing by militants left six soldiers injured who were immediately referred to hospital for treatment.

Sources said two critically wounded soldiers were shifted to Army Hospital BB Cantonment where however they succumbed to their injuries. The two soldiers have been identified as Manivang and Deepak Methi. Soon after the attack, army, police and CRPF cordoned off entire area and launched searches to track down the militants. The traffic movement on highway was also affected due to the attack.

Meanwhile, Hizbul Mujahideen outfit has claimed responsibility for the attack on army at Qazigund and announced cash reward for militants involved in the ambush. On the other hand, Lashkar-e-Toiba Chief Mehmood Shah has also praised militants for carrying out the attack on army at Qazigund. “The real reward remains with Allah. However we have announced reward for the Mujahideen (militants) who carried out successful strike,” he said in a statement, adding that the militants by carrying out the attack have responded to Army Chief General Bipin Rawat.

CM pays tributes

Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti has paid rich tributes to the two jawans of the army who were killed when a convoy in which they travelling was attacked at Lower Munda, Qazigund today.

The Chief Minister has extended her heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families of slain soldiers. She has also conveyed her sympathies to the soldiers who were injured in the incident.

Mehbooba Mufti said that it was unfortunate that an unending cycle of violence has got unleashed in our society which only spreads miseries and desperation.